Communication in Cyberspace

This Article examines a problem in cybercrime law that is both persistent and pervasive. What counts as “communication” on the Internet? Defining the term is particularly important for crimes such as cyberstalking, cyberharassment, and cyberbullying, where most statutes require a showing that the alleged perpetrator “communicated” with the victim or impose a similar requirement through slightly different language. This Article takes up the important task of defining communication. As a foundation to our discussion, we provide the first comprehensive survey of state statutes and case law relating to cyberstalking, cyberharassment, and cyberbullying. We then examine the realities of the way people use the Internet to develop a definition of “communication” that reflects those realities. That is, we aim to provide effective tools by which prosecutors can address wrongful conduct without punishing innocuous behavior or chilling speech. We conclude by proposing a model statute that appropriately defines “communication.” We recommend that state legislatures adopt the statute or modify existing laws to match it in pertinent part and demonstrate how the statute would apply in a range of situations.

Land use practices near tributary rivers and their influence on duckweed (Lemna obscura) bloom in the southern part of Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela: Sustainable solutions to address the issue

This study examined the relationship between land-use practices near tributary rivers in South Lake Maracaibo and the appearance of duckweed (Lemna obscura) in the lake. Four rivers were studied: The Mucujepe, Capaz, Guamo and Frio. Eight factors were assessed: rivers, sediments, erosion, soils, fertilizers, water quality, land use activities and vegetation corridors. Satellite images, official cartography, field visits and observations, water samples and personal communication with organizations involved were held to get an accurate and current assessment of the conditions. The study revealed the land-use practices surrounding the Pan-American Zone Rivers contribute to the duckweed blooming in Lake Maracaibo.

Intercultural Communication Between Forensic and Clinical Psychologists

While working in clinical and forensic psychology settings, a communication difficulty between the two professions became apparent. Forensic psychologists often appeared cold and callous from the clinical psychologist’s perspective, while clinical psychologists often appeared naïve or too client centered from the forensic psychologist’s perspective. I wondered if viewing each subfield of psychology as a culture could facilitate better communication through intercultural communication. Guided by Intercultural Communication in Contexts (Martin & Nakayama, 2010) in approaching intercultural communication between the two professions, I explored factors contributing to each profession’s cultural identities. Once this was established, I attempted to explore the different ways each culture could communicate more effectively. By recognizing and utilizing the strengths from each profession and understanding the possible pitfalls of one’s own, we may become competent in intercultural communication